Horse Racing, Sports Photographer Garry Jones Dies At 64

Horse racing and sports photojournalist Garry Jones died Thursday, according to a press release issued by Louisville's Bellarmine University, where Jones had been covering games. The university said Jones suffered a heart attack Dec. 30 after shooting a Bellarmine basketball game. Jones was 64.

For years, Jones covered the Kentucky Derby and other Kentucky racing events for the Associated Press and contributed to the BloodHorse and other racing publications

“On a personal level, Garry was always a friendly, positive presence on game days,” said Bellarmine sports information director John Spugnardi. “Seemingly in a perpetual good mood, Garry greeted nearly everyone with a smile and treated all with dignity and respect. He possessed a warm chuckle that immediately befriended anyone he came into contact with.”

For the past four years, Jones covered nearly every home Bellarmine sporting event for the sports information office. At the Derby, he was known among photographers for his generosity, lending ladders to photojournalists who needed them. He was also appreciated by Bellarmine students and staff for his encouragement and positive attitude.